Hawaiian Couple Trades Island Life for 3.5-Year Global Cruise Adventure

Couple Sells Business to Embark on Residential Cruise Ship Adventure

A Hawaiian couple has taken a leap of faith, selling their car rental business to pursue a life at sea aboard the residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey. Lanette Canen and Johan Bodin made the decision after experiencing their first cruise together in June 2022, a 16-day voyage that left them wanting more.

The Villa Vie Odyssey, a 509-cabin vessel, promises to circumnavigate the globe every 3 ½ years, visiting 147 countries and 425 destinations. The ship boasts amenities including restaurants, bars, lounges, a pool, and a golf simulator, offering residents a floating hotel experience with a slower travel pace.

Canen and Bodin, who met eight years ago in Maui, reserved their cabin in September 2023 with a $10,000 deposit. The couple is particularly excited about exploring Asia and the South Pacific Islands during their journey.

Financial considerations played a role in their decision. With monthly fees of $3,500, which Canen plans to cover through her remote auto glass business, living on the Odyssey is reportedly more affordable than their previous life in Maui.

However, the ship’s departure has been delayed by three months due to issues with the aging vessel’s rudder stocks and recertification. Despite this setback, Villa Vie has been accommodating residents with shuttles, food, drinks, excursions, and lodging while they await the official launch.

During the interim, Canen and Bodin have taken advantage of the opportunity to explore various European countries and enjoy the ship’s amenities daily. Villa Vie has also organized excursions for residents, including trips to the Canary Islands and Norwegian fjords.

The couple’s journey to this point hasn’t been without challenges. They previously considered other residential cruise options but found them too expensive or unreliable. Despite setbacks in the industry, including the bankruptcy of Life at Sea Cruises, Canen, and Bodin remain confident in Villa Vie and its founder, Mikael Petterson.

As the cruise industry navigates these new waters of long-term residential sailing, the experiences of pioneers like Canen and Bodin will likely shape the future of this unique travel lifestyle.